Running on Empty
My first thought when I hear this phrase is the fuel gauge status of my car. Never have I been left walking because my car’s fuel tank was totally depleted, although I have come close at times, even entering the red zone. But because it is important to get where I want and need to go in my vehicle, I am cognizant of the amount of fuel available to me and the responsibility to keep it replenished. My car’s gauge tells me the number of miles I can travel before the tank is empty. What a handy feature…if I trust its accuracy!
Right up there with monitoring the car’s fuel gauge, is the importance of a personal checklist to gauge my physical well-being. Am I taking care of myself by eating well, getting enough sleep, exercising, scheduling routine health care visits. You know the drill.
Here comes the difficult part. Am I equally conscientious in examining my spiritual fuel gauge? Am I practicing the Golden Rule? Do I set aside time every day for prayer and Scripture reading? How often do I avail myself of the grace found in the sacraments? Do I take the time to just be and to listen to His Voice? Sadly, I may be running closer to the “E” side of the fuel gauge when it comes to this most important practice.
This question then arises – do I need to fuel myself physically and spiritually just for the sake of rushing around, accomplishing things? To what end do I need a full fuel tank? Of course we need energy to accomplish daily tasks, plus fuel for our souls. But what about those times when I am not even going anywhere and feel that my tank is empty?
A Snickers bar can fuel the body, but what soul food do I need when my spirit is at low tide? The Lord could very well be trying to tell me something important. Slow down. Listen to Him. Pray for the trust to empty myself in order to let Him fill my tank.
Could God be tampering with my fuel gauge for a reason? Can I trust that God knows the best way to fill my exhausted self? Can I learn to use this down time of going nowhere fast to allow God to fill my spirit tank with high octane energy (grace) and provide a good route to travel His road?
May a listening heart and service to others be my gauge.
